Rowan University says farewell to 2,000 graduates

GLASSBORO — Amber Pier Bullock said Friday that she hopes all of her fellow Class of 2012 graduates — all 2,000 of them — have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and get where they want to go in life.

“It’s bittersweet because I’m not really ready to leave,” said Bullock, 22, of Wenonah, as she prepared to take her seat at Rowan University’s 88th Undergraduate Commencement. “I’m ready to start my life, but I’ll miss it here because I had such a great college experience.”

Bullock, a history major who currently interns for the American Institute for History Education in Swedesboro, said she hopes to stay true to her major — and passion — throughout her career.

David Calhoun, 21 — an electrical and computer engineering major from Beachwood — already knew what his next step will be.

“I’m going to graduate school at Columbia to get my doctorate in electrical engineering,” he said.

Calhoun said he ultimately hopes to work in the defense industry, most likely for the federal government.

“I want to pay it forward somehow and help people,” he said. “I’m excited to be done today. It’s a relief.”

Calhoun advised his fellow graduates to “do good things” with their lives and careers.

Sarah Bowker and Brittany Thomas — both elementary education majors — said they’ll miss the classmates they’ve spent nearly every day working beside.

“It’s weird to be graduating,” said Bowker, 22, of Hammonton. “There were 19 of us who were always together. If I was ever confused, I knew I had people to talk to. I’d just like to say congratulations to everyone.”

During the ceremony on the University Green in front of Bunce Hall, Board of Trustees Chairman James Gruccio thanked the graduates for their hours of dedication to their studies and volunteer work.

“Thank you, each and every one of you,” said Gruccio. “There’d be no Rowan University without you, and your education is a treasure you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.”

Interim President Ali Houshmand recognized a very special group of alumni — graduates celebrating anniversaries from the class of 1962, 1952 and even 1942. Then he welcomed the Class of 2012 to the University Green.

“We live in a world that is often defined by the haves and the have-nots,” said Houshmand. “In the last several months, we’ve heard of economic debates and news of Occupy movements. We hear a lot about the 1 percent and the 99 percent. Today, I want to tell you about another remarkable statistic. You’re part of only 7 percent of people in the world that have reached this level of education. For 93 percent of the world, the privilege of pulling an academic all-nighter is just a dream.”

Houshmand said with the degree comes responsibilities.

“You will have to pay rent, pay taxes and do housekeeping,” he said. “You’ll have to meet deadlines at work and wake up at 6 a.m. It’s all part of being an adult and a professional. But with those responsibilities, you’ll also have opportunities — opportunities to make a difference. You have the potential for greatness.”

Houshmand encouraged the graduates to nurture democracy, to vote, to invest in themselves and in others, and he offered best wishes for a “healthy and wonderful future.”

Commencement Speaker Jack Collins — the, now retired, longest-serving Speaker in the history of the New Jersey Assembly — began on a lighthearted note.

“Graduates this year will get to hear Steve Carell at Princeton University, Barbara Walters at Yale, Katie Couric at Virginia and Condoleezza Rice at Southern Methodist, and you get me,” joked Collins.

He said the graduates had been exposed to so many areas of education during their time at Rowan, most importantly through interactions with friends and fellow students.

“You have, with this degree and these experiences, the fundamentals for a successful life,” said Collins. “I have no idea what leads to a successful life. I’m a former basketball coach whose favorite meal is meatloaf, who listens to country music and who watches professional wrestling. What advice can I give you? But I’ve had the opportunity to interact with a lot of people, and I’ve come up with a theory. Success is determined by the individual.”

Collins said whether someone’s measure of success is to make “zillions of dollars,” to be the next Mother Teresa, to be known by everyone or just to be hugged by his or her own child — it can only be achieved by the individual.

“It’s a balance of internal satisfaction and reaching out to others to strive for their success,” he said. “Sometime in the distant future when you’re alone — sitting on a porch in a rocking chair — and you think of who you are, I pray you’re able to say, ‘I’m a success.’ If you can do that, you will be.”

Distinguished Alumnus David Girgenti — a 1993 alumnus who founded Wish Upon a Hero, an online social philanthropy site that grants wishes to people in need; graduates who have served or are serving in the military — and those graduating with honors were recognized. And graduates danced at their seats as the Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir played an energetic “Jersey Boys” medley.

Stephanie Ackerman — president of Rowan’s Student Government Association — said she wanted to share a few lessons she’d learned during her time at Rowan.

“Find what it is you love. Seize opportunities and take risks,” said Ackerman. “Work hard. You cannot overcome obstacles without working hard. Don’t lose that drive, determination or willpower. Do not get discouraged. You may be rejected or criticized or choose a career path that may not be right for you. But stay positive, and keep your spirits high. And finally, take what you’ve learned and apply it. Rowan gave us the tools to be successful, now it’s your turn to use them.”